ARBITRON INC (NEW)

ARB

After holding steady for much of 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve finally instituted the first rate cut of 25 basis points, which could help jumpstart more mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. Likewise, this and further rate cuts could benefit exchange traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to M&A dealmaking.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arbitrum Gaming Ventures (formerly known as The Gaming Catalyst), a 200 million $ARB initiative to accelerate gaming and entertainment on Arbitrum, today announced its first cohort of investments and grants, made alongside VCs including Paradigm, Framework, and BITKRAFT. This first investment tranche, representing a commitment of $10M in capital, supports a cohort of experienced founders, innovative distribution models, and the development of high-quality gaming conte.

Driven by increasing global M&A deal notifications and easing financial market conditions, investing in ETFs employing a merger arbitrage strategy can be a smart play.

For investors seeking momentum, AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF ARB is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 8.37% from its 52-week low price of $25.81/share.

Exchange-traded funds started as a way to track broad-based indexes. Over time, ETFs have evolved to offer niche investment approaches.

After two years of subdued dealmaking, key Wall Street banks have been witnessing a resurgence in investment banking activity.

After a weak M&A year of 2023, things are looking bright for space due to chances of Fed rate cuts, higher pent-up demand and improving financial markets.

After several quiet years, global M&A activity gathered steam early in 2024 following a flurry of deals. The deal value surged 55% year over year to $425 billion, signaling a robust revival in the sector.